adding external amplification is likely going to be a big sonic step from your foundation, pressently. The amps in those receivers are pretty well compromised, and you'll double the sonic abilities with a better amp! I'd look at used Parasound HCA1205 for those speakers and receiver combo. The Rotel does offer good bang for buck however, but the Parasound is better sonically, and can be had for cheap used, if you look around.
Also, you should be running the speakers as "small".
You can indeed improve your sonics with better speakers, but you're changing your whole foundation here. I like simply adding an amp (necessary anyway, IMO) first. Then, try bringing home some better music/ht speakers (pair) and see what improves. Then, you can change the speakers out later if you like, and sell the B&W's.
Also, with speakers, remember that Dappolitos, horn speakers, and other more "controlled dispersion designs work better in less than very carefully considered and well set up acoustical spaces! Depending on your setup, yes, better HT/music speakers might be in-order for your room - but I don't know your room! (note: typical stereo speakers like your B&W's will not perform so well in rooms with low ceilings, where you sit further back, proportionately). Otherwise, speakers that might be in order for affordable consideration for you would be more music/HT designed NHT M5's, Paradigm Studio Dappolito center/monitors, and similar.
Hope this helps
Also, you should be running the speakers as "small".
You can indeed improve your sonics with better speakers, but you're changing your whole foundation here. I like simply adding an amp (necessary anyway, IMO) first. Then, try bringing home some better music/ht speakers (pair) and see what improves. Then, you can change the speakers out later if you like, and sell the B&W's.
Also, with speakers, remember that Dappolitos, horn speakers, and other more "controlled dispersion designs work better in less than very carefully considered and well set up acoustical spaces! Depending on your setup, yes, better HT/music speakers might be in-order for your room - but I don't know your room! (note: typical stereo speakers like your B&W's will not perform so well in rooms with low ceilings, where you sit further back, proportionately). Otherwise, speakers that might be in order for affordable consideration for you would be more music/HT designed NHT M5's, Paradigm Studio Dappolito center/monitors, and similar.
Hope this helps